[ tasting notes ]
All that sparkles Sparkling wine is, for many people, a reason to celebrate, to toast an occasion or to gift to a special person. Whatever the reason, one thing is for certain – we are spoiled for choice when it comes to producers and price. Sparkling wine can be produced in several different ways, with the most traditional being the Champagne Method – called ‘Méthode Champenoise’ – a French term applying only to bottle fermented sparkling wine from the Champagne region. This method requires a second fermentation (the one that creates the bubble) to be completed in the same bottle in which it is ultimately sold. After base wines are blended, they are bottled and refermented, aged on yeast lees for a minimum period, usually 18 months (often much longer). The style is created after ageing and spent yeast removed. Brut (very dry) or Demi-Sec (semi-dry) are common label terms. A natural cork is wired down, bottle labelled and sent to market. Similar sparkling wine is made throughout France (but not in Champagne) and around the world, which uses the basic steps described above, with the only real significant difference being the title of the process and name of wine. This other process is called ‘Méthode Traditionnelle’ – very similar, but for legal reasons winemakers cannot use the ‘Méthode Champenoise’ or ‘Champagne’ terms on wine labels. From 1941, the French have protected the label terms ‘Méthode Champenoise’ and ‘Champagne’ with education and trade-marking worldwide. In New Zealand, there are a number of excellent producers of Méthode Traditionnelle from both the North and South Islands. Another sparkling wine process that is widely used is a bulk production system that completes the second ferment and bubble creation in large steel tanks. These wines require less ageing, less labour and process steps, saving a lot of cost. The wine sells for a lot less than traditional method wines. The easy way to tell the difference is to read the label and if you cannot find any traditional terms, then it is a more cheaply made product. The simplest and cheapest way to make a sparkling wine is to pump CO2 gas directly into the wine. These wines are usually a lot sweeter, low in alcohol and the retail price reflects the system used. Whatever wine selections you help your customers with, be sure you can explain the price and process connection. Any discussion based on quality and production system is best undertaken with samples of each wine in hand.
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FMCG BUSINESS: THE SHOUT - JUNE 2019
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NO.1 FAMILY ESTATE CUVÉE ADELE MARLBOROUGH 2013 A beautiful bouquet with delicate scents of white strawberry and citrus fruits, white flowers and a core of finely tuned leesy autolysis, complex and beguiling. Dry, tense, youthful and specific on the palate - flavours of grapefruit and white peach, lemon peel and red apple. the autolysis offers flavours of butter brioche and salty water cracker. Fine mousse, high acidity, youthful, complex and long. A fantastic example. Buy! Points 98 RRP $240.00 Distributor: No.1 Family Estate Phone: (03) 572 9876 www.no1familyestate.co.nz
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NO.1 FAMILY ESTATE RESERVE BLANC DE BLANCS MARLBOROUGH NV Powerful, distinctive, individual, richly scented, complex and enticing bouquet. Baked lemon, baked peach, apple and a nutty autolysis spice. On the palate - dry, complex and packed with flavour and texture - lemon, grapefruit, stone fruit and a fine mousse. A vibrato, a crescendo, leesy layered autolysis. Delicious! Long
finish. Drink now or cellar. You will not be disappointed. Points 98 RRP $96.00 Distributor: No.1 Family Estate Phone: (03) 572 9876 www.no1familyestate.co.nz
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TOHU REWA BLANC DE BLANCS MARLBOROUGH MÉTHODE TRADITIONELLE 2015 Classic Champagne bouquet with a New Zealand twist. Aromas of lemon, grapefruit and white peach, a distinctive autolysis with a light spice and calm presence. Dry, vibrant, crisp, layered. Delicious flavours and textures with citrus, apple and white fleshed fruits. Fine mousse, lengthy finish, complex. Drink now and through 2025. Points 96 RRP $32.00 Distributor: Kono Beverages Phone: (0800) 864 894 www.tohuwines.co.nz
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NO.1 FAMILY ESTATE CUVÉE NO.1 BLANC DE BLANCS MARLBOROUGH NV Aromas of citrus and white peach, red apple and a deep core of autolysis.